Warning: Popular Meds May Increase Stroke Risk Up to 94%
By
Natalie Moore
Posted December 9, 2016
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
Suffering from heartburn or acid reflux is miserable.
The constant burning, nausea and pain are so uncomfortable; you would take just about anything to get some relief.
And like most of America, you may reach for a pill to put the fire out.
But it turns out that some of the most popular heartburn meds around may come with deadly risks that we’ve never been warned about.
You see, research recently presented at an American Heart Association conference shows that some of these meds, like Protonix, may increase your risk of suffering from stroke by up to 94 percent.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that there are some simple things you can do right now to win the war with heartburn — no pills required.
For many years, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been prescribed for heartburn at an alarming rate, even though they’re associated with poor heart health, heart attacks, dementia and kidney disease.
And Danish researchers recently found they also can cause stroke.
The scientists studied nearly 250,000 patients who suffered from indigestion and stomach pain and were taking one of the following PPIs: Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec and Protonix.
After scouring the data, they uncovered some shocking statistics.
Taking a PPI increased participants’ overall risk of stroke by a shocking 21 percent.
Additionally, they found that when taken at the highest doses, stroke risk upped 30 percent for Prilosec and Prevacid patients, 50 percent for Nexium and 94 percent for Protonix patients.
However, the researchers noted that patients who took the lowest available dose experienced little or no risk of stroke.
For decades now, many experts have questioned the amount of folks taking these types of drugs. Especially since making just a few lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, eating less, chewing gum after meals, losing weight and cutting down on spicy foods can resolve heartburn.
If you’re taking a PPI currently, you should talk to your doctor about it. Find out if you can lower your dosage or even get off it. Doing either of these might just save your life.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: nmoore@lfb.org – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Sources
[1] Popular heartburn medication may increase ischemic stroke risk
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
Research Reveals Loneliness is “Poisoning” Your Blood
We humans are social creatures. We thrive on connection, communication, and shared experiences—which help shape our identities and foster a sense of belonging. Yet, loneliness and social isolation are alarmingly common in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world. The World Health Organization (WHO) says about 25 percent of older people experience social isolation. But new...
Mailbag: Ease Invisible Pain and Fatigue NATURALLY
“Why isn’t there more research on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome? It’s mainly a woman’s condition and too many health professionals tell us “It’s all in your head,” or words to that effect.” —Fatigued and Fuming Hi Fuming, Your frustration over the lack of research and dismissive attitudes when it comes to fibromyalgia and...
Junk Food DOUBLES Risk of Embarrassing Leaks
Ladies, if you need another reason to think twice before hitting the drive-thru, I have one for you. A new study found that a fast-food habit can contribute to a problem most women would rather not talk about—urinary incontinence. That’s right, those embarrassing “oops” moments when you laugh, cough, or exercise could be directly linked...
Common Fungus Beats the Flu at Its Own Game
Big Pharma pushes annual flu shots like your life depends on it. What’s more, they insist expensive antivirals are your only defense against influenza. But Mother Nature is hiding a more effective solution right under our noses—or rather, under forest floors and in grocery store produce sections. There’s growing evidence that the humble mushroom is...
Superfood Slashes Deadly Cancer Risk by 20%
You’ve likely heard about yogurt’s gut health benefits. But did you know this creamy treat may be doing more than aiding your digestion? Research shows it could protect you from a deadly form of cancer. A groundbreaking, long-term study revealed that eating yogurt could slash your risk for a specific type of colorectal cancer. This...
Brain-Boosting Bacteria Discovered in Surprising Spot
Researchers have uncovered a tremendous amount of information about the gut-brain connection in the last few years. For example, earlier this week, I explained how probiotics can naturally ease anxiety. But scientists’ latest discovery isn’t about what’s in your GUT. Instead, it’s about what’s in your MOUTH. And it might make you think twice about...
The Morning Sunlight Secret to Better Sleep
Believe it or not, a good night’s sleep starts the moment you open your eyes in the morning. I’ve seen countless patients struggle with insomnia, despite trying everything from meditation apps to melatonin supplements. Yet, many are surprised when I “prescribe” something incredibly simple: morning sunlight. Recent research reveals that exposure to natural sunlight within...
“Belly Fix” Eases Anxiety WITHOUT Drugs
If mainstream medicine excels at one thing, it’s having a drug (or ten) to treat anything that ails you. So, it’s no surprise that the moment you mention feeling anxious, your doctor hands you a prescription. Well, hold onto your wallet for now. Because a new study just uncovered something that’s giving Big Pharma some...
Mailbag: Feed Your Finicky Gut to Promote Healing
“I’m slightly underweight with digestive issues. What foods are the easiest to digest and help heal the gut? I try to eat mostly organic whole foods but sometimes nothing sounds good and I want something but don’t know what. Thank you for caring and helping people!” – Tummy Troubled It’s frustrating when your body needs...
Silent Thief Secretly Robs Diabetics of Nutrients
If you have blood sugar problems, you’re probably already keeping a close eye on your blood sugar. But another threat lurks in the shadows—what researchers call “hidden hunger,” a sneaky form of malnutrition. And a massive new study reveals it’s more common than anyone thought… An eye-opening analysis published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health...